The main considerations when siting a hive are:

Easy access for the beekeeper
It is an advantage for a beehive to be on level ground with good access. Bee hives on slopes often become unstable even if supported on bricks or pavers. When working on your beehive it is helpful to be able to easily move around it even though most of the work is done from the back out of the bee’s flight path.

When extracting honey quite heavy boxes of frames full of honey will need to be moved. Many beekeepers use trolleys like furniture trolleys. Struggling up uneven ground is a disadvantage.

Consideration of your neighbours
The tolerance of your neighbours will be tested if the beehive is located close to their outdoor entertaining area or their swimming pool. One or two bees are fine but a mass of your bees in their yard will not be appreciated. In general keep your bees away from neighbours.

A suitable flight path
Bees fly out from the bee entrance. This is at the bottom of the hive so unless your hive is on some form of stand the bees start their flight near ground level. As they rise the magic height of the human face is reached. Their flight path should not place them in close proximity to neighbours, family or members of the public. A beehive in the front yard near the fence will produce a stream of bees right across a footpath. While the bees may not be aggressive, if they strike a person on the bare skin or become entangled in their hair a sting becomes quite likely. Given that most people are terrified of bees the problem is obvious.

Positioning the bees so that their flight path takes them well away from people is ideal but is not always able to be achieved. A screen of some form in front of the hive will cause the bees to gain height and this may cause their flight path to be over the heads of any people.

A sunny protected location
Bee hives generally are pointed North so they receive the morning sun. This is particularly important in winter as it tends to keep the hive dry and warm and minimises some diseases. Having the hive slightly lower at the front will allow any rain which is driven in the entrance to drain out. A hive where water pools on the bottom board at the back of the hive is a recipe for disease.

An orientation that limits the entrance from strong winds and driving rain is an advantage.

Shade from the heat of the midday sun is worthwhile but winter sun is important so positions in deep shade are to be avoided where possible.

Firm ground and decent drainage
Bee hives on soggy ground can tilt and fall over. Beehives in low lying areas can flood. Most beekeepers will site hives on bricks, concrete blocks or pavers to ensure they are horizontal and stable. Bee hives that fall over will often end up with the bee boxes separating in some way. Apart from leading to some peculiar honey comb formation, the resultant air movement through the open hive will often cause the brood to die from the cold.

Ideas from Norm Webb and Dave Wilson